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Artist's depiction of zig-zag lines appearing as part of a migraine
aura phenomenon

An aura is the perceptual disturbance
experienced by some migraine sufferers before a migraine headache,
and the telltale sensation experienced by some people with epilepsy before a seizure. It often manifests as
the perception of a strange light, an unpleasant smell or confusing
thoughts or experiences.

When occurring, auras allow epileptics time to prevent injury to
themselves. The time between the appearance of the aura and the
migraine lasts from a few seconds up to an hour. Most people who
have auras have the same type of aura every time.

Being unable to understand or comprehend spoken words during
and after the aura.

Being unable to speak properly, despite the brain grasping what
the person is trying to verbalize. (Aphasia)

The specific type of sensation associated with an aura can
potentially be used in an attempt to localize the focus of a
seizure.

Auras share similar symptoms with strokes, but onset is more gradual with
auras.[3] Auras
can last from several seconds to several minutes and can sometimes
end with feelings of extreme tiredness, weakness, heart palpitation, sweating
and warmth throughout one's body.